How To Handle Common Plumbing Problems
Whether you own a home or rent an apartment, you have sinks, faucets, toilets, and pipes that can break down over time. If you experience any water system issues, you should be able to troubleshoot them. Here’s how to handle common plumbing problems.
Clogged Drains
Drains are all around us. From the toilet in your bathroom to the sewer in the street, drains move water from the immediate vicinity. When a drain no longer works, the entire system can back up. Clogged drains are some of the most common and annoying problems to deal with. Clogs typically occur when large chunks of debris become stuck in the pipe. Since the pipe is inflexible, the item will remain stuck until something dislodges it.
If you have a clogged toilet, you can use a toilet plunger to manipulate the water pressure and push out the lodged debris. Or if your shower or sink drain too slowly, you can look for clumps of hair just beneath the rim of the drain. While some drains screw off for easy removal, others do not. In this case, you can pour a pipe-safe drain unclogging gel that will eat away at the lodged item and create a clear path for normal water flow. If any of these methods don’t work, you should contact a professional.
Leaking Sinks
The sink is where you wash your hands, do your dishes, and clean your face. Needless to say, you turn the water on and off all day long. When the mechanism wears out and fails to close the pipe off entirely, you could have a leaky faucet on your hands. To solve this common plumbing annoyance, try to tighten any visible screws, nuts, and bolts. If you can’t fix it with your own tools, reach out to a plumber. Leaking faucets can quickly turn into complex issues.
Running Toilets
While clogged toilets are frustrating, a running toilet is even more problematic. The toilet tank contains the pieces and parts that allow you to flush and drain the toilet. However, these pieces can unlatch or wear out, causing problems like a running toilet that won’t stop refilling. You may need to reset the hinge or push the flapper down, so that the toilet tank seal remains closed.
Knowing how to handle common plumbing problems and when to hire a professional plumber is essential for all homeowners. Though many plumbing issues are quick fixes, some will entail significant repair. Learn how to differentiate between the issues and find a quick solution to get your water system flowing again.
